Alison is Technology Scotland’s Senior Programme Manager for Photonics. She is responsible for the Photonics Scotland network: connecting members with the support they need, fostering cross-collaboration, representing the interests of the sector to Government as well as planning and running specific events, special interest groups and activities for the Photonics Scotland network. Alison is part of the management team of the Opening up Photonics initiative, a member of the Board of Stakeholders of Photonics21, and sits on various advisory and policy panels.
Alison has 20 years of experience working in academic, industrial and consultancy roles. After achieving her PhD in Photonics from the University of St. Andrews, she worked as a Research Associate before leaving academia and joining industry in the role of technical sales/account manager in the health physics and photonics sectors. Alison then moved to a role dedicated to project management and proposal writing for EU funded projects, gaining extensive experience across a wide variety of research topics, before moving to her current role.
“I have a curious mind and have always had a passion for science and in particular physics and photonics. I also love helping people, and in my working life I am lucky enough to have held roles that encapsulate both these aspects. Working with organisations at the forefront of innovation, helping them find a route to realise and develop their vision and technology is immensely satisfying, and in reality what more could I ask for from a job!”
